60-space staff car park at Prestatyn High School, Prestatyn

What was proposed

The application sought a 60-space staff car park beside the existing rear school parking area, with permeable surfacing, fencing, planting and no lighting.

“PLANNING ASSESSMENT: 1. THE PROPOSAL: 1.1 Summary of proposals 1.1.1 Full planning permission is sought for the formation of additional parking and associated works at Prestatyn High School, Princes Avenue in Prestatyn. The proposal is to extend off a rear yard area accessed off David Close to the rear side of the school currently being used for staff car parking to provide a formalised parking area for 60 car parking spaces for staff.”

“Bollards would be provided along the front of the parking bays with flush and battered kerbing provided as appropriate around the spaces and footpaths. No lighting is proposed. The proposed car park is intended for use by school staff during school hours with the existing car park retained and re-configured. The current long jump area would be re-sited elsewhere on the school playing field.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is part of the school playing field, near homes on Gordon Avenue and Maes Tegid, with access from David Close.

“Description of site and surroundings 1.3.1 Prestatyn High School is located on the corner of Meliden Road with Princes Avenue. The school has been sited here since it’s establishment in the 1950’s. Lower down on Princes Avenue is Ysgol y Llys which is a Welsh medium Primary School.”

“A high metal fence has been placed along the boundary of the school with the residential properties on Gordon Avenue and Maes Tegid, with a further V mesh fence located on the inside of the school playing field away from the boundary of Maes Tegid - ranging from approximately 10m up to 14m at its widest distance. This fence was erected some time ago to prevent balls going over and for other safeguarding purposes.”

Officer report

Application background

The report identified no directly relevant planning history; further drainage information and sustainable drainage approval were provided after the 2023 submission.

“Relevant planning history 1.5.1 None of specific relevance to this proposal, other school developments.”

“Developments/changes since the original submission 1.6.1 The application was submitted in 2023, following the initial consultations undertaken and queries primarily relating to surface water drainage, the applicant has engaged in further discussions with the Local Lead Flood Authority and obtained SAB approval.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval, finding the small open-space loss acceptable and expecting the parking to ease congestion and pressure on surrounding roads.

“There would be a small loss of open space/recreational space from the school playing field as a result of the proposal. Despite the loss of designated recreational space, it is not considered that the loss is significant and the remaining external recreation space available at the school complies with recommended guidelines.”

Officer report

What consultees said

The town council, water company, highways and ecology officers raised no objection subject to conditions, while the flood officer required ditch maintenance.

“DENBIGHSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL CONSULTEES – Traffic, Parking and Road Safety: - Highways Officer No objection subject to a standard condition…”

“Ecology Officer No objection subject to standard conditions…”

Officer report

What residents said

Residents objected on drainage, flooding, traffic, parking, residential amenity and ecology grounds, while one response supported the proposal.

“Highway/parking concerns The car parking will not improve along Princes Avenue or Gordon Avenue, there will be more cars using Gordon Avenue to use the car park and the speed limit should be reduced along Gordon Avenue; the application is for increased parking spaces, which is not in keeping with our commitment to encourage other methods of travel (walking/cycling/public transport) for DCC staff in response to the Climate Emergency announced in 2019; proposal will generate…”

“Residential Amenity concerns As well as traffic at the front of the properties on Gordon Avenue, will now have traffic and carbon emissions from the back.; more noise and impact on air quality; residents already have problems with parents leaving engines idling and maintenance crews/sports centre and all weather pitch open till late as well as night classes.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker against the proposal cited fumes, flooding, disruption and the petition; a school representative supported relocating existing staff parking.

What members discussed

Members considered drainage responsibility, highways, open-space loss, pupil safety, lighting and management outside normal school hours.

“Councillor Delyth Jones expressed her support for the proposal, emphasising that pupil safety within the school grounds should be a primary consideration. She welcomed the inclusion of a condition relating to lighting for the proposed car park and requested clarification regarding the operational hours of the school, noting that activity often extended beyond standard school hours of 9.00 am to 3.00 pm.”

Minutes

The committee decision

The committee granted the application in accordance with the officer recommendation.

“Proposal – Councillor Andrea Tomlin proposed the application be granted in accordance with officer recommendation SECONDED by Councillor Delyth Jones.”

“RESOLVED: that the application be GRANTED in accordance with officer recommendation.”

Minutes